Why can sodium chloride conduct electricity in the molten state but no in the solid state?

In order to conduct electricity a substance must have charge particles, such as electrons and ions, that are free to move freely through it. In the solid state, ionic compounds such as sodium chloride have their ions fixed in position and therefore these ions cannot move so solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity. However in the molten state, ions in ionic compounds are free to flow and therefore molten sodium chloride can conduct electricity.

Answered by Olavo M. Chemistry tutor

133663 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is produced when Sodium Carbonate reacts with Hydrochloric Acid


How can you distinguish between an endothermic reaction and an exothermic reaction based on temperature change of the surroundings.


Balance the Following Equation: __H2SO4 + __NaOH ---> __Na2SO4 + __H2O


Explain how electricity is conducted in a metal.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy